Volume 3, Issue 2 Summer 2008 District 5 e-gram 315 East Leland Road, Pittsburg 94565 Antioch * Bay Point * Bethel Island * Oakley * Pittsburg TABLE OF CONTENTS Volunteers/homeless connect. 1 Books, coffee at BART. 3 Relay lives up to its name... 5 Recycled water program... 6 Flu shots offered 6 A hearty lifesaver.. 7 Community events.. 8 Contact us 12 FROM SUPERVISOR GLOVER Supervisor Federal Glover welcomed Philip F. Mangano, the executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, to the county-sponsored Homeless Connect event in Antioch last Sept. 10. Story on Page 2. 1
Two halls at the Antioch Fairgrounds were filled with over 100 volunteers who offered ahost of services for the homeless including access to library cards, dental care, health exams, wheelchair repair, haircuts and massages. Supervisor welcomes 125 volunteers to homeless event ANTIOCH -- Supervisor Federal Glover, District V, welcomed about 125 volunteers at "Homeless Connect 3" an annual event organized by the County to provide services and counseling to the County's homeless population. Organizers estimate that almost 600 people took advantage of the services provided at Homeless Connect, which was held at the County Fairgrounds in Antioch. Homeless were bussed in from homeless shelters from as far away from West County and Concord and returned to their part of the county. Cynthia Belon, coordinator of the county's homeless program, estimated that there are about 15,000 homeless in the County throughout the year, a number that is increasing as people lose their homes because of the foreclosure crisis. During the daylong event, homeless people were able to avail of a host of services including haircuts, massages, health checkups, dental exams and were able to get their driving licenses renewed as well as get directed to the services available in the county throughout the year. Every year, the event is held in a different part of the county. During last year's event in Concord, service providers and volunteers helped about 400 people who are homeless. Organizers expect to serve even more people this year, said Cynthia Belon, 2
Director of the Contra Costa Health Project Homeless Connect helps a lot of families and individuals meet a variety of important needs, all at one time, as well as making positive connections to end their homelessness," Belon said. "In these difficult financial times, this event is even more vital." Sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS), the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program and the City of Antioch, Project Homeless Connect 3 also offered alcohol and drug referrals, wheelchair repairs, employment information and much more. The event depends largely on volunteers support. Services (CCHS) Homeless Program. without your efforts," Glover told the volunteers before the event opened. Volunteers, which came from the ranks of County staff as well as local agencies and businesses, fixed bicycles and wheelchairs, provided vaccinations and care for pets, provided lunch, informed people of housing options as well employment advice. The day is part of the County s 10-year plan to end homelessness in Contra Costa County. In 2004, the Board of Supervisors and chaired by Glover at the time, approved the plan to address the needs of the homeless population. "This event could not be a success Bay Point Chamber of Commerce president Chris Komari (left) and Supervisor Glover welcomed Terry Goggin, CEO of Metropolitan Coffee, the company partnering with Peet s Coffee to manage the kiosk at the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station. BART offering library services, coffee for commuters BART riders who use the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station now will be able to grab a cup of coffee and read a book before and after their ride. BART has teamed up with the Contra Costa County Public Library system to set up a 3
novel automated book-lending system that was launched May 28 at the Pittsburg/Bay Point station. Among the first customers of the vending-like machine was Supervisor Federal Glover, who noted that although some mass transit operations have the system in Europe, this was the first machine-operated library in the United States. This is a fantastic idea, said Glover. It just makes so much sense to bring books right to the people, especially in East County, where we average the second-longest commute in the country. The vending-like machine located at the station will hold some 400 books that can be checked out for free by anyone with a valid Contra Costa County library card. A patron will insert the card, get access to the available titles and check out up to three books. A robotic arm will retrieve the books. CCC Library is using grants it received to buy the machines, which cost a little under $100,000 each. Costs of maintaining them will be minimal, because they can be monitored remotely from the main branch in Pleasant Hill, Sanford said. CCC Library was the first in the nation to buy and use the machines. The machines were created in 2004 by Distec, headquartered in Sweden. They re already being used in Sweden, Norway and Finland. The first phase will put machines at three other locations, including the transit village at the BART station in Pleasant Hill, a site in Byron/Discovery Bay and a fourth location that has yet to be decided. The idea is perfect for the far eastern area of Contra Costa County, such as Discovery Bay, Byron Knightsen and Bethel Island, where brick and mortar libraries are lacking. Readers would be able to take advantage of the service without ever having to drive to a building that would cost the county hundreds of thousands of dollars it doesn t have. The public will have access to the machine during BART's normal hours of operation. The stock will include both fiction and nonfiction titles. Peet s Coffee also opened up an outlet at the kiosk between at the station. The Pittsburg-Bay Point location is only one of four the Bay Area coffee retailer has chosen to offer cups of cappuccinos and latte s under the management of Metropolitan Coffee & Concessions. Supervisor Glover and Chris Komari, president of the Bay Point Chamber of Commerce, helped welcome the brewer executives to East County. Under Peet's licensing program, the kiosks will showcase Peet's signature retail store design and employees will offer Peet's unique coffee and tea beverages to the Company's exacting standards. Additionally, the kiosks will offer a selection of specially packaged Peet's Deep-Roasted(R) coffees, hand roasted daily to ensure superior freshness. 4
Relay for Life a resounding success against cancer TEAM GLOVER, was on hand once again to participate in the American Cancer Society s Relay For Life event held at Los Medanos College in June. Despite the tripledigit temperatures, organizers said a total of 119 teams came together with 1785 relay participants to raise $201,313 for cancer research. Teams from all over East County took part in the annual fundraiser that spans 24 hours. CHEERLEADERS (above) from Antioch s Deer Valley High School took a break from circling the track to greet Supervisor Glover. The supervisor (right) chatted with Judy Trapanese, one of the founders of the Relay for Life in East County. 5
Green strategies keep the fairways green Supervisor Glover, left, and Rep. George Miller (center) helped launch the use of recycled water at Pittsburg's Delta View Golf Course in partnership with Delta Diablo Sanitation District and the City of Pittsburg last August. At a ceremony at the golf course, instead of cutting a ribbon, they helped turn the symbolic spigot. NEWS YOU CAN USE Flu vaccinations offered in East County Contra costa Public Health ahs scheduled their 2008 flu clinics at community centers and senior centers Getting a flu vaccine is an important way to protect yourself from seasonal throughout in East County. Although the flu vaccination is free, a $15 donation is being encouraged. influenza. The best time to get flu vaccine is in October November. Flu 6
season often peaks in February or later, so you can get the vaccine in the winter months and even as late as March, and still be protected. Flue vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, people over 50, people Brentwood Community Center, 730 Third St, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Oct. 16; Pittsburg Senior Center, 300 Presidio Lane, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Oct. 16. with chronic diseases of the lung, heart and liver and all children 6 months and older. Kaiser members call 1-800-573-5811 (1-800-KP-FLU-11) which is their flu shot hotline. The East County schedule for vaccinations by the County are: Antioch Senior Center, 415 West 2 nd St., 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Oct. 15; SERVING THE PUBLIC New Life Saving Heart Attack System to be Implemented A new heart attack response system being implemented in Contra Costa could save or improve the lives of hundreds of people a year. Contra Costa Health Services Emergency Medical Services (EMS) oversaw the Sept. 8 launch of the STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) System. The nationally recognized STEMI System is designed to allow paramedics to rapidly identify and transport highrisk heart attack victims to specially equipped hospitals. STEMI, a high-risk heart attack, can be reversed by specialized cardiac procedures that are best given within 90 to 120 minutes of the heart attack victim s first sign of chest pain. EMS staff presented the STEMI System to the Board of Supervisors today. "During a heart attack, a clot blocks the flow of blood to the heart and heart muscle begins to die. The sooner treatment is started the better the chance of preventing or limiting damage to the heart. This new System will set a new standard for cardiac care in our county," said Dr. Joe Barger, EMS Medical Director. 7
Barger said the STEMI System begins when fire and ambulance service paramedics, who respond to about 7,000 chest pain calls a year, use a 12 lead EKG to identify STEMI heart attacks on scene. A STEMI Receiving Center is notified to activate its cardiac team and provide specialized treatment. Bay Point Family Health Center temporarily closed The Bay Point Family Health Center (BPFHC) closed down for eight to 10 weeks for renovations starting Monday, July 28. All clinical services and staff will be relocated temporarily to the Pittsburg Health Center and patients will be seen there during the closure. Previously scheduled patients have been notified of the location change. When the clinic reopens at 215 Pacifica Ave., a new dental clinic will be in place where Bay Point residents can receive dental care. The funding for the clinic is provided by the Los Medanos Healthcare Foundation. The tentative date for reopening of BPFMC will be in November. More information will be posted as it becomes available. The appointment call line Bay Point patients remains the same, 1-800-495-8885. COMMUNITY EVENTS Oct. 6, 6:15 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Driftwood Drive Landscaping Meeting Calvary Temple, Bay Point Oct. 7, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Supervisor Glover s Town Hall Plans and politics of the Delta and water quality Ambrose Center, Bay Point Oct. 8, 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. State of the Schools Luncheon Wedgewood Banquet Center, Delta View Golf Course, Pittsburg. Info: (925) 473-0700 Oct. 8, at sundown Yom Kippur religious observance Oct. 13, All-day Sheriff s Posse s Annual Charity Golf Tournament 8
Discovery Bay Country Club. Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Art di Strada: Art in the Streets Art, wine and food. Railroad Ave. and Third and Fourth streets, Pittsburg. Sponsored by Old Town Pittsburg. Oct. 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free Child Safety Event. Child safety identification information, fingerprinting, face painting, giant slide. Open Bible Church, 3801 Camino Andres, Bay Point. Information: 925-525-9289 Oct. 21, 7 p.m. 9 p.m. Bethel Island Town Hall Plans and politics of the Delta and water quality Scouts Hall, Bethel Island Info: 925-427-8138 Oct. 25, 11 a.m. 3 p.m. La Clinica de la Raza Health Fair Checkups, counseling, food. East County Boys & Girls Club, Pittsburg Oct. 27, 7 pm. 9 p.m. Foreclosure Workshop Holy Rosary Church, Antioch Oct. 31, evening Halloween Events throughout East County Nov. 4, 7 a.m. 8 p.m. Election Day Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Veterans Day Parade Downtown Antioch Nov. 27, All day Thanksgiving Holiday Supervisor Glover s office closed 9
GOVERNMENT MEETINGS ANTIOCH BAY POINT Antioch Unified School District: 7 p.m., second and fourth Wednesdays, district offices, 510 G St. 706-4100. Antioch Area Public Facilities Financing Agency (Mello-Roos District): 7 p.m., Antioch Unified School District boardroom, 510 G Street. 776-2030. Meets every other month, first Monday. Call to confirm meeting date. City Council: 7 p.m., second and fourth Tuesdays, City Hall, Third and H streets. Parks and Recreation Commission: 7 p.m., second Thursday, City Hall, Third and H streets. 779-7070, Ext. 0. Municipal Advisory Council: 7 p.m., first Tuesday, Ambrose Community Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road. 458-1601. Ambrose Park and Recreation District, 7 p.m., second Thursday, Ambrose Center: 3105 Willow Pass Road, Bay Point. 925-458-2457 BETHEL ISLAND OAKLEY Bethel Island Municipal Improvement District, 3 p.m., third Thursday, 3085 Stone Road, Bethel Island. Municipal Advisory Council, 7 p.m. second Tuesday, BIMID office, 3085 Stone Road. City Council: 7:30 p.m., second and fourth Tuesdays, 3231 Main St., Oakley. 625-7000. Liberty Union High School District, 7:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesdays, District Offices, 20 Oak St., Brentwood. 634-2166 Oakley Unified School District, 7 p.m., third Wednesday, District offices, 91 Mercedes Lane, Oakley, 10
925-625-0700 Ironhouse Sanitary District: 7:30 p.m., first Tuesday, district offices, 450 Walnut Meadows Drive, Oakley. 625-2279. Planning Commission: 7:30 p.m., first and third Mondays, 3231 Main St. Oakley. 625-7000. PITTSBURG City Council: 7 p.m., first and third Mondays, council chamber, third floor, City Hall, 65 Civic Ave, 925-252-4850. Planning Commission: 7 p.m., second and fourth Tuesdays, City Hall, 65 Civic Ave. 252-4920. Pittsburg Unified School District, 7:30 p.m., second and fourth Wednesdays, 2000 Railroad Ave. COUNTY & REGIONAL Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors: 9 a.m., first four Tuesdays, Room 107, County Administration Building, 651 Pine St., Martinez. 646-2371. Delta Diablo Sanitation District: 5:30 p.m., second Wednesday, district offices, 2500 Pittsburg-Antioch Highway, Antioch, 778-4040. Contra Costa County Local Agency Formation Commission: 1:30 p.m., second Wednesday, room 107, County Administration Building, 651 Pine St., Martinez. 646-4090. State Route 4 Bypass Authority: second Thursday, Tri Delta Transit building, 801 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. Call for starting time. 925-686-0619. East County Transportation Improvement: second Thursday, second Thursday, 801 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. Call for starting time. 925-686-0619. East Contra Costa Fee & Financing Authority: second Thursday, Tri Delta Transit building, 801 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. Call for starting time. 925-686-0619. Transplan: 6:30 p.m. second Thursday, Tri Delta Transit building, 801 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. 925-335-1201. 11
CONTACT THE SUPERVISOR S OFFICE Paul Adler, Administrative Analyst padle@bos.cccounty.us Lynn Reichard, Administrative Assistant lreic@bos.cccounty.us Tonya Smith, Assistant tsmith@bos.cccounty.us Supervisor Federal Glover, District 5 315 East Leland Road, Pittsburg, CA 94565 925-427-8138 Website: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/dis5/ dist5@bos.cccounty.us David Fraser, Chief of Staff dfras@bos.cccounty.us Ed Diokno, Public Policy Analyst ediok@bos.cccounty.us ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER If you would like to receive this newsletter via e-mail, please click here, provide necessary information and send. http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/dis5/contact.htm Check out all press releases, news stories, editorials, videos and all the latest events including his letter to Gov. Schwarzenegger on behalf of teachers and school classified staff at Supervisor Glover s county website: http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/dis5/ 12